Wilson High Basketball Players to Compete in Tournament While Wearing Ankle Monitors

HENRYETTA, Okla. – Two Wilson High School basketball players, arrested earlier this month for allegedly robbing a convenience store, will be allowed to compete in an upcoming tournament while wearing ankle monitors. The decision has sparked concerns among parents and officials from opposing school districts.

The two juveniles, whose identities have not been disclosed due to their age and the pending nature of the case, were arrested by Okmulgee Police after allegedly demanding money and cigarettes at gunpoint from a Jenks convenience store employee. The FBI has reportedly taken over the investigation due to the suspects’ tribal status, though the agency has not confirmed this.

Mark Hudson, Superintendent of Preston Public Schools and director of the Muscogee Nation Invitational Tournament, expressed concern over the decision to allow the players to compete. “That’s a violent crime. That’s not like two kids getting a speeding ticket or getting caught drinking beer,” Hudson said. He emphasized the importance of accountability, particularly when allegations involve serious crimes.

Hudson added that while he respects the autonomy of individual school districts, he would not permit students accused of violent crimes to represent his school in athletic competitions. “We love to win ball games, but we will never put that ahead of how we behave and how we act,” he said.

The Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association (OSSAA) stated that such matters are left to individual school districts. According to OSSAA, there is no policy prohibiting players from wearing ankle monitors during games, though officials may require the device to be covered if deemed unsafe.

Wilson Schools Superintendent Andrea James declined to comment on the situation, stating, “I don’t make comments about students.” The Muscogee Nation Invitational, scheduled for January 23-25 at the Muscogee Dome in Okmulgee, will proceed with eight participating schools, including Wilson and Preston High Schools.